How Intrepid Travel navigates the disruption-reinvention cycle
Thu Feb 05 2026
Few industries are tested as relentlessly as travel. From economic uncertainty and sustainability pressures to rapid technological change, travel brands have had to constantly survive disruption.
Hazel McGuire, CMO of Intrepid Travel's answer has been constant reinvention and it's put them on the road to becoming a the first billion-dollar global travel brand.
In this episode of The CMO Show, Ms McGuire, shares what it takes to lead through disruption in an industry that is always rebuilding itself, and how she is navigating that complexity.
Hazel unpacks how the company responded to the post‑COVID reset, as travellers began seeking deeper meaning, stronger social connection and better value from the experiences they choose. She explains why, even amid cost‑of‑living pressures, travel continues to matter,—and how brands must move beyond short‑term transactions to build long‑term resilience.
You'll also hear how Intrepid's long‑standing B Corp commitment shapes decision‑making behind the scenes, helping the business balance purpose and profit without turning values into a marketing headline. From evolving beyond performance‑heavy marketing to investing in brand‑led storytelling, Hazel explores how Intrepid stays human, credible and trusted in an industry increasingly shaped by automation and AI.
This episode is brought to you by impact advisory, communications and events agency, ImpactInstitute in partnership with Adobe.
www.impactinstitute.com.au | https://business.adobe.com/au
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Few industries are tested as relentlessly as travel. From economic uncertainty and sustainability pressures to rapid technological change, travel brands have had to constantly survive disruption. Hazel McGuire, CMO of Intrepid Travel's answer has been constant reinvention and it's put them on the road to becoming a the first billion-dollar global travel brand. In this episode of The CMO Show, Ms McGuire, shares what it takes to lead through disruption in an industry that is always rebuilding itself, and how she is navigating that complexity. Hazel unpacks how the company responded to the post‑COVID reset, as travellers began seeking deeper meaning, stronger social connection and better value from the experiences they choose. She explains why, even amid cost‑of‑living pressures, travel continues to matter,—and how brands must move beyond short‑term transactions to build long‑term resilience. You'll also hear how Intrepid's long‑standing B Corp commitment shapes decision‑making behind the scenes, helping the business balance purpose and profit without turning values into a marketing headline. From evolving beyond performance‑heavy marketing to investing in brand‑led storytelling, Hazel explores how Intrepid stays human, credible and trusted in an industry increasingly shaped by automation and AI. This episode is brought to you by impact advisory, communications and events agency, ImpactInstitute in partnership with Adobe. www.impactinstitute.com.au | https://business.adobe.com/au